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Street Talk Newsletter

At Your Service: iPad Project - "Like a Clinician in Your Car"

During the 23 years of BHR’s existence, there have been countless examples of officers encountering individuals exhibiting potential signs of a mental health issue. We have found that hospitalization or detainment is not always the best option in many of these situations. Therefore, officers have 24-hour access to BHR’s traditional mobile outreach. Although the model has been successful, it requires the officer to wait with the individual until the clinician arrives.

While BHR’s average arrival time of 45 to 60 minutes is without comparison, there is the need to balance that wait time with the efficient use of the officer’s time. In response to this need, BHR implemented the Virtual Mobile Crisis Intervention (VMCI) project in February 2017.

The VMCI project is designed to decrease wait times for law enforcement needing a qualified mental health professional and increase the chances that an individual needing help can access that help as soon as possible. All St. Louis County precincts and the municipalities of Ballwin, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Hazelwood and Manchester were given iPads to use on CIT calls when direct and immediate access to a clinician was needed. When law enforcement identifies an individual deemed appropriate for the program, the officer calls the BHR Crisis Line and provides basic information: officer’s name and agency; consumer’s name and date of birth; and a brief overview of the situation. The Officer ends the phone call and waits for a face-time call from a member of our Mobile Outreach Team. This call is placed within 15 minutes. Our clinician then conducts a brief assessment and provides recommendations, reducing the liability of the officer and the department, and assisting with hospital and jail diversion. This allows law enforcement to continue on to their next assignment while ensuring that the consumer gets the needed support. Some officers who have used the iPad have referred to this program as having “a clinician in your car”.

Additionally, all consumers who receive a mobile outreach, either through traditional means or through VMCI will receive the benefit of follow-up care provided by BHR staff. Follow-up care assists with linkage to on-going mental health treatment and reduces the chances that officers will continue to engage the same individuals.

BHR is currently working with several other municipalities in the St. Louis County area to expand this program. If you are interested in bringing this project to your department, or for additional information, please contact Lisa Flamion at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 314-413-3247.